Introduction To Botox
Botox has been done for over 50 years with great results. It is mostly done for cosmetic purposes but has many more uses. Botox helps to boost self esteem for some people by removing forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, or even cobblestone on the chin. Botox (botulin toxin) has gained a lot of popularity in the recent past.
Having been derived from botulinum toxin which is the deadliest toxin, it requires a high level of expertise to ensure that you get the best results while maintaining safety. You can consult the best Marrero double board certified facial plastic surgeon in order to get an excellent outcome after your Botox treatment.
What Are The Uses Of Botox?
The FDA-approved uses of Botox include;
● Cosmetic reasons primarily for removing facial wrinkles
● Treating Strabismus
● Treating spasms of the eyelids (blepharosis)
● Treatment of cervical dystonia
● Treatment of excess sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Botox also has other off-label uses like treatment of incontinence, hair loss, eczema (dyshidrotic type), psoriasis, neuralgia that comes following a herpes infection, achalasia, excess production of saliva, and Raynaud syndrome.
What Are The Complications Of Botox?
Botox is a safe procedure when done by a qualified specialist. After Botox, the following effects can be experienced, though they should not cause alarm;
● A little pain, bruising, and swelling around the injection sites
● Headache
● Flu-like symptoms
● Numbness
● Temporary drooping of the eyelid or muscle weakness
Complications can occur after an unsafe procedure and include;
● Difficulty in swallowing
● Urinary incontinence
● Difficulty in breathing
● Excess fatigue
● Vision problems
● Diarrhea
● Itchy skin
● Inability to talk
● Reduced saliva
● Death can also occur
What Are The Alternatives Of Botox?
● Collagen supplements
● Acupuncture
● Injections with hyaluronic acid
● Massage
● Chemical peeling
It is advisable to take care of your skin to prevent unwelcome wrinkles by using sunscreens and scrubs, washing your face regularly, practicing good hydration, using home-made masks, and avoiding the use of tanning and lightening creams.
How Is Botox Done?
Botox is naturally derived from the botulinum toxin which is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This is a neurotoxin that works at the neuromuscular joint by disrupting the nerve signal and production of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine which helps in muscle contraction. This produces temporary muscle weakness and the muscles become less stiff.
Botox freezes the muscles of the face limiting too much motion but preserving facial expressions. The injections used for Botox are thin and shallow, and only take a few minutes to complete the entire procedure. You will notice the effects of the procedure after 24-48 hours and they will last for about 4 months.
Depending on whether you love the outcome of Botox, you may go back for another treatment as you wish. You need a qualified specialist for excellent results though. The cost of the treatment varies from one doctor to another.
Summary Of Botox Basics
Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment for the removal of facial wrinkles, but it can also be used for other purposes. Safety is key during Botox because excessive doses of the toxin-derived treatment can have fatal outcomes.
